COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX) -
It's already time to lace them up. Basketball is season is coming USC fans.

The South Carolina women's basketball team will hold their first practice of the season this Thursday. But they are also holding an open practice at Southside High School in Greenville, SC.

The open practice is free and open to the public. It takes place Thursday, October 13 from 6 to 8 pm. USC head coach Dawn Staley will address fans after the practice as well.

The SEC women's basketball tournament will be held in Greenville next March.

The Gamecocks host Benedict on Nov. 7 to start the year. USC made it to the Sweet Sixteen last season.

Monday was the first official practice for the men's basketball team. Frank Martin enters his fifth season as the head coach of the Gamecocks.

Mar 5, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin reacts to game action in the first half of a game with the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gunnar Rathbun-USA TODAY Sports
(Photo: Gunnar Rathbun, Gunnar Rathbun)

The men's squad has already been in action this year. In August they went on a six-day trip to Costa Rica. They played the national Costa Rica National team, held camps for local kids and a clinic for the Special Olympics team.

USC matched a program record with 25 wins last year and made it to the second round of the NIT. The USC men open the year against Newberry at home on Nov. 6.